What Is the Wavelength of White Light?

[ilikescience94]

I know the visible spectrum,(400nm(violet)-750nm(red)) but I can't seem to find the wavelength of white light, can anyone help me out with this?

 

[HallsofIvy]

"White light" is NOT a single wavelength- it consists of light of all (visible) wavelengths.

 

[ilikescience94]

So is it a group of photons of all visible wavelengths traveling together in tandem?

 

[Drakkith]

So is it a group of photons of all visible wavelengths traveling together in tandem?

Pretty much, yes.

 

[Nugatory]

So is it a group of photons of all visible wavelengths traveling together in tandem?

That's a reasonable model.

However you can save yourself some grief by thinking of light classically, as an electromagnetic wave governed by Maxwell's equations instead of particles called "photons", whenever possible. You don't really need the photon concept until you're doing quantum mechanics - until then it's as likely to confuse as to clarify.

 

[Bobbywhy]

I know the visible spectrum,(400nm(violet)-750nm(red)) but I can't seem to find the wavelength of white light, can anyone help me out with this?

Ilikescience94, Welcome here to Physics Forums!

Since you already know the wavelengths of some of the colors within the visible spectrum you are close to answering your own question.

How is a rainbow created? Have you ever seen the experiment where white light is passed through a prism? May I suggest you have a look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visible_spectrum

Cheers, Bobbywhy